The Dallas Cowboys have become the poster franchise for underachievement, failing to make the playoffs once again in 2011. After winning seven of their first 11 games, the Cowboys once again struggled down the stretch with just one win in their final five games, finishing 8-8 on the season. Injuries played a role with the sports betting struggles in Dallas, but with the window closing for several star players including quarterback Tony Romo, there is no room left for excuses.

Offense

Romo was once again a star for the most part in 2011, leading an offense that averaged 23.1 points per game, and finished seventh in total passing yards. Still, there is room for Romo to improve in clutch situations, and he will be counted on as much as ever to lead the Cowboys back to the postseason in 2012. At 32-years old, Romo is still in his prime but the clock is ticking down, and he won’t have Laurent Robinson to catch 11 touchdown passes this year. Dez Bryant will need to step up further despite registering career-high numbers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns a year ago, and help fill the void left by Robinson, with Miles Austin looking to return to his 2009 form. Tight end Jason Witten remains a capable safety blanket for Romo, and a good blocker next to what should be an improved line with the additions of Mackenzy Bernadeau and Nate Livings at the guard spots. DeMarco Murray proved that he could be the bell-cow back the team can rely on, and if Felix Jones can stay healthy it will give Dallas a solid one-two punch.

Grade: B +

Defense

While the offense was a strength for the Cowboys last season, the defense struggled to come together as Rob Ryan tried to install his schemes on the fly in a lockout shortened offseason. All signs point to Dallas improving on defense in 2012, with another year to learn the system, as well as a handful of key additions and important positions. The Cowboys traded up to draft cornerback Maurice Claiborne in the No. 6 spot, and signed Brandon Carr to man the other side, giving Ryan the physical corners he needs to be aggressive. With DeMarcus Ware back with another year in the system under his belt, and the addition of rookie defensive end Tyrone Crawford, Dallas will have a ton of options for attacking from different angles. The Cowboys needed time to make the necessary adjustments on defense, and now that they have settled both the player personnel and the bet on sports schemes, they should be ready to play out Ryan’s schemes.

Grade: B -

Special Teams

With the exception of his last-second miss against the Arizona Cardinals, on a play after which he froze on a timeout from his own coach, kicker Dan Bailey was solid. Punter Chris Jones is a steady performer, but the Cowboys need to find a way to get more out of their return game with Bryan and Dwayne Harris. Morris Claiborne could factor in to the return game as well, but using your top receiver and top corner on special teams could be a risk Dallas isn’t willing to take.

Grade: B -

Prediction

The Cowboys won’t have it easy in the same division as the defending Super Bowl champion Giants, Michael Vick and the Eagles, as well as Robert Griffin III and the Redskins, but this is a team that has been on the verge of something great for some time now and they can’t afford to let another playoff opportunity slip away. Dallas will be in a dogfight to the very end, where they could get in as a sportsbook bubble team.

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